English Lan & Lit

The personal history of an author can have a significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influences in Things Fall Apart. Thesis Statement: Personal history plays a fundamental role in shaping the appreciation of the messages presented in a novel, yet can be influence by the historical context that the novel is derived from. In addition, the contextual exploration allows the reader to comprehend ideas presented in regards to the historical context conveyed in the novel. Topic sentences: Achebe used historical context as well as his personal experience to further enhance and develop plots to present the understanding and changes in that specific era, for the audience to interact more effectively (relate). Chinua Achebe establishes the difference of Igbo culture and Christianity, which is illustrated through the use of secondary characters to which they each represent a certain belief of the tradition that the

With Reference to Things Fall Apart, discuss how the understanding of gender influences how the text may be understood Thesis Statement Gender is one of the central themes in the novel that justifies the idea of gender roles in the Igbo culture and the rules and customs set for certain aspects in the Igbo life; partially influences how other characters react to different situations  as well as how they contradict and value certain aspects of the Igbo life. Outline Paragraph 1; The establishment of gender roles and how Achebe conveys the idea of dominance and submissive through the indirect and direct characterization. Paragraph 2: Competitive roles in both genders, as one is more dominant and successful than the other. (masculinity and femininity) Paragraph 3: Contradicting the values of gender roles by establishing the balance of roles (importance)

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader's understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole. Secondary characters are essential in the novel because they drive the story line, to the extent of further development and understanding of certain characters, vital themes and establishment of Igbo beliefs and values.